Young ‘cops’ help traffic police man intersections, nab violators

The initiative, on its first day, saw around two dozen students take positions and man traffic, under the supervision of traffic police officers, at important city intersections such as Vijay Chowk, C-Hexagon and Tilak Marg.

School student managing traffic at Vijay Chowk in New Delhi on Saturday.(Sonu Mehta/HT PHOTO)

Delhi traffic police, in a first-of-its-kind initiative, has roped in school students to man some intersections of the city.

The initiative is expected to help the youngsters understand the nuances of traffic management as well as draw attention of motorists to existing traffic rules, police say.

The traffic drive kicked off on Staurday and is likely to be conducted every weekend for the next one month.

The initiative, on its first day, saw around two dozen students take positions and man traffic, under the supervision of traffic police officers, at important city intersections such as Vijay Chowk, C-Hexagon and Tilak Marg.

The students, who were already taught the traffic drill at the ongoing summer camp, used hand movements to guide vehicles at these intersections. The traffic police officers also took the opportunity to point out violations and explain to the young cops the need for certain rules on the road.

“After the drill, we have realised the problems that arise when vehicles decide to jump a traffic signal or when people drive vehicles rashly,” said Harsh Mathur, a Class 10 student of a west Delhi government school, who participated in the drive on Day One.

Another 16-year-old student pledged that he would never ride his two-wheeler unless he had reached the legal age for driving. “I used to ride a scooter in my locality. But today I noticed a young boy riding a two-wheeler dangerously,” the boy said about his motivation.

Garima Bhatnagar, joint CP (traffic), said the initiative will help sensitise students about traffic rules and give them a practical experience about the need to follow road rules. “These students will then take these lessons home and discuss it with their family and friends. It will greatly helpin creating awareness,” said Bhatnagar.

Traffic officers, who supervised the children on Saturday, said they expected violators to feel embarrassed about breaking rules when they notice children guiding them about safe driving habits.

“Being active participants, they will also learn to appreciate the hard work put in by traffic police and the problems of traffic management,” said Amulya Patnaik, Delhi Police commissioner.